ORLANDO, Fla. – According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 200,000 veterans live in the Central Florida area. To support those troops and their families, Fifth Third Bank has partnered with Camaraderie Foundation to help heal the invisible wounds of war.

From Oct. 19 to Nov. 19, all Fifth Third banking centers throughout Central Florida, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville will collect and match donations for Camaraderie Foundation, up to $10,000 cumulatively.

“We are honored to be able to serve our veterans, military and their families,” said Barb Scherer, regional marketing director for Fifth Third Bank (North Florida). “By matching donations to help provide support, encouragement and financial assistance, we hope to give back to those who have already given so much.”

Currently, one in four active duty service members experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and other mental health problems. To help combat these statistics, Camaraderie Foundation provides scholarships for private counseling, community support networks and mentor leadership programs for local military veterans and their families.

“Through generous donations from supporters like Fifth Third Bank, we are able to serve veterans who need our help,” said Terri L. Wallace, executive director of Camaraderie Foundation. “Every dollar given will allow us to continue making a more significant impact in our community.”

“Last November, I seriously considered suicide,” said Michelle Raia, a current Camaraderie Foundation client. “It has been a long journey back and with the counseling provided, I am so much stronger and have the tools necessary to battle depression and anxiety. It has been a truly life-saving gift for me and my family.”